A very rare and unusual early George III Butter Boat made in London in 1769 by John Berthellot.

The Butter Boat stands on a very unusual scalloped domed foot. The raised main body has a baluster form and rises to a shaped wavy rim decorated with gadrooning. The two cast side handles are beautifully shaped and are decorated with foliate motifs and display acanthus leaf mouldings where they are attached to the main body. The front of the main body is engraved with a contemporary Armorial surrounded by a Rococo shell, scroll and foliate spray cartouche. The Arms imaple those of the ancient West Country family of Peverell. It is thought that these pieces were used as a container for melted butter, preumably for vegetables. These items do not appear on the market often. A set of ten by Paul Crespin, London 1757/58, are contained within the collection of the Duke of Portland. John Berthellot was of Huguenot descent.